Australia

Sydney is a place that’s really got it all: It’s a sunny, modern city, right smack in the middle of nature, where gallery-hopping, surfing, and fine dining can all happen before the sun goes down. Start with the views: Take the cliff top coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee, where you’ll pass by beaches, rock pools, and lush parks. Then there’s the world-famous Sydney Opera House—jutting up like a huge sailboat—anchoring iconic Sydney Harbour. It’s also worth seeing the city from the top down; the views from the Sydney Tower Eye observatory are nothing less than epic.

 

Things to see and do in Sydney

Some things that are worth trying out:

Place to Eat:

 

View The Australia Photo Gallery

 

Typical costs when traveling

A week-long trip to Sydney can range from AUD $2,000 to $3,000 for a single person, with costs varying greatly depending on travel style and accommodation choices. Budget travelers can potentially lower these costs significantly by staying in hostels, cooking their meals, and taking advantage of free activities. For a basic daily budget, expect to spend around $100 AUD per day, but this can be adjusted based on individual preferences and spending habits. 

 

Accommodation:
  • Hostel: AUD $50 – $70 per night for a shared room. 
  • Basic hotel room for two: AUD $200 – $250 per night. 
  • Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): AUD $300 per night. 
  • Campervan: Consider renting a campervan for affordable accommodation and travel. Caravan parks can be as low as AUD $30 per night for unpowered sites and up to AUD $40 for powered sites. 

 

Food:
  • Coffee: AUD $5. 
  • Sandwich: AUD $12. 
  • Dinner for two: AUD $80 – $100. 
  • Beer at the pub: AUD $10. 
  • Fast food (e.g., McDonald’s): around AUD $10. 
  • Normal restaurant: AUD $20-30. 
  • Fine dining: Can range from AUD $300 – $1000 for two.

 

Transportation:
  • Unlimited daily travel on transport: AUD $18.70. 
  • Train and ferry: Free for some attractions, but consider the cost of daily passes or individual tickets. 

 

Do’s and don’ts

In Sydney, it’s important to respect local customs, be aware of laws, and take precautions for the sun and weather. Do’s: Use public transport with an Opal card, wear sunscreen, and respect Australian politeness by using “please” and “thank you.” Don’ts: Litter, swim outside of flagged areas, push in line, or be overly critical of Australian customs. 

 

Dos:
  • Use Opal card for public transport: Ensure you have an Opal card or a contactless bank card ready to tap at train station gates or when boarding and alighting from buses. 
  • Use “please” and “thank you”: Politeness and respect are highly valued, so use these phrases in interactions. 
  • Wear sunscreen: The Sydney sun is strong, so protect your skin with sunscreen and a hat. 
  • Swim between the flags: Always swim in designated areas between the red and yellow flags to stay safe from sharks and strong currents. 
  • Be aware of your surroundings: As in any big city, be mindful of your belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended. 
  • Don’t tip: Australian service culture is generally less about tipping than in other countries. 
  • Don’t wander around with valuables on display: Be mindful of your belongings and don’t leave them unattended. 
  • Follow pedestrian crossing rules: Observe the green man signal at pedestrian crossings. 
  • Respect personal space: Australians value their personal space, so be mindful when queuing or standing in close proximity to others. 

Don’ts:

  • Litter: It’s illegal to leave trash on the ground; use the many bins provided or hold onto it until you find one. 
  • Swim outside of flagged areas: Stick to designated swim areas between the flags for safety. 
  • Push in line: Queuing is considered polite, so avoid cutting in front of others. 
  • Be overly critical of Australian customs: While some differences in culture may exist, avoid making comparisons or being overly judgmental. 
  • Swear in public: While swearing is common, it’s best to be mindful of your language in certain situations. 
  • Drink and drive: It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. 
  • Smoke in public places: Smoking is prohibited in all public areas in Australia. 

 

 

The name Surfers Paradise might sound like it’s only for barefoot wave-worshippers, but there’s much more to this iconic coastline than surfable swells. Visit a gushing waterfall at Macintosh Island, cool off from the daytime heat at a local bar or club, or take a twilight climb to the top of SkyPoint, one of the city’s most impressive high rises. When you’re hungry, hit up the city’s cute cafes and swanky restaurants, which continue to draw food-lovers near and far.

 

Things to see and do in Surfers Paradise

Some things that are worth trying out:

Place to Eat

 

Typical costs when traveling

Traveling in Surfers Paradise, Australia can range from around $60 to $140 AUD per day, with an average of about $100 AUD. This covers expenses like accommodation, food, and activities. 

 

Accommodation:
  • Hostel dorms: $40 – $105 AUD per night.
  • Hostel private rooms: $100 – $180 AUD per night.
  • Budget hotels: $160 – $250 AUD per night.
  • Luxury hotels: $300+ AUD per night.
  • Airbnb private rooms: $85 – $120 AUD per night.
  • Airbnb apartments: $120 – $300 AUD per night.
  • Campsites: $10 – $30 AUD per night for two people. 
Food:
  • Expect to spend a significant portion of your budget on food, especially if you’re eating out regularly. Consider self-catering or exploring budget-friendly food options to save money. 

 

Transportation:
  • Public transport: The Gold Coast has a good public transport system, with buses, trains, and ferries. 
  • Taxis and ride-sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available. 
  • Rental cars: Renting a car can provide flexibility but comes with additional costs like fuel and parking. 

 

Do’s and don’ts

Do:
  • Embrace the active lifestyle: Surfers Paradise is known for its beach and surf culture. Try your hand at surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply enjoy a swim in the ocean, says Go Ride a Wave and Luxury Escapes. 
  • Explore the SkyPoint Observation Deck and climb: Take in panoramic views of the coastline from this iconic spot, says Luxury Escapes. 
  • Indulge in the food scene: Explore the variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes in the area, notes Queensland. 
  • Pack appropriately: During the summer, pack light and breathable clothing like swimwear, shorts, and sundresses, according to HRSP.com.au.
Don’t:
  • Expect no queues at theme parks: Visiting off-peak seasons like the summer months (November and December) can help avoid long wait times. 
  • Forget about Schoolies: If you’re planning a family holiday, avoid the end-of-year school leaving parties, advises Adventure Mumma. 
  • Be a snake in the water: Avoid paddling around another surfer to get the wave, which is considered rude. 
  • Forget about the sun: Protect yourself from the strong Australian sun with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. 
  • Neglect your surroundings: While Surfers Paradise is generally safe, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, says goldcoastdaytour.com.au. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *